I agree with most of what you wrote cantjustread, except I would not be too worried about undersea mining. I am sure the cost of mining underwater would be so high that only higher gold prices or the rare extremely rich deposit would make it economical to mine. I am not sure of the ecomomics of underwater drilling for oil, but I do remember that the oil sands were just a science experiment until oil got above $50 per barrel.

I could not imagine them mining unerwater for less than double the typical cost on land. And then, good luck with the environmentalists.

Bob